The Gear VR Controller features a clickable, thumb-ready touchpad, along with built-in motion controls a shooter-friendly trigger beneath, enabling new kinds of mobile VR experiences for Samsung’s platform. And thankfully, that means no more reaching to find the touchpad on the headset itself, or holding your arm up for extended play sessions. Samsung also sells the Gear VR Controller by itself, it works with the previous consumer versions of the headset, as well as phones dating back to the Galaxy S6 models the Galaxy Note 5. Dozens of games apps are now compatible with the Controller, if you’re looking to make the most of it, these are the first 10 experiences you should check out. Moving the Controller does the same for your ship, while your gaze aims the firing reticle. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but once you get a hang of it, End Space gets its hooks in deep. Incredible graphics a great sense of immersion make this premium game worth every bit of its eight bucks, there’s more to it than the fun, yet comparatively straightforward Gunjack. End Space ($8) Truth be told, Smash Hit is the only game on this list that hasn’t been updated with official Controller support, but it totally works: just click in or swipe on the touchpad you’ll toss a ball towards wherever you’re looking. The biggest gripe of the original VR experience was keeping your arm up for lengthy play sessions to tap the headset’s touchpad, but that issue is easily alleviated with the Controller. And the game is all the more enthralling because of it. Smash Hit ($3) It’s essentially a simpler take on ’s extremely cool Tilt Brush on the higher-tech HTC Vive Oculus Rift, but while not entirely original, the trick remains impressive here. You can paint your own 3D creations with ease, as well as switch between brushes colors without breaking the flow of creativity. int VR ($2) Connect the dots to complete a full constellation you’ll be rewarded by some dazzling sight in the world around you, such as flying battleships exchanging cannon shots, or a gargantuan rock monster emerging from the backdrop. You might only end up spending 15 minutes in A Night Sky, but as a free early Controller offering, it’s an enchanting affair. A Night Sky (Free) It’s really just as simple as pointing shooting, but having zombies come at you from all around ratchets up the tension, as do the small clips on your firearms. You’ll find dozens of stages to shoot your way out of, along with some odd time-travel shenanigans along the way—plus there’s head-to-head online score attack battles if you want to show off your skills. Drop Dead ($7) The Controller’s precise pointer makes it easy to pinpoint select stars, not only that: in the app, the Controller serves as your floating info board, you can even wield small versions of stars to examine as you please. Star Chart also lets you explore the original moon ling site, as well as a Mars Curiosity Rover scene, learn about items in each area. Star Chart ($5) Doing so means grabbing manipulating objects with your mind (the Controller’s pointer) guiding them around obstacle courses, although the game gets a lot stranger with each chapter. Esper 2’s amusing tone narration seem to pull a bit of inspiration from the seminal rtal on , Coatsink’s game is clever in both puzzle design writing alike. Esper 2 ($5) th the Gear VR Controller in h, it’s now easier to navigate around the underwater space, rather than just sit still look all around. You can move forward backward rise or descend with simple button presses, giving you the freedom to see these creatures from all angles. At $10, it’s one of the pricier Gear VR purchases, but there is a free demo version. Ocean Rift ($10) Doing so opens up the portal at the end of the level, but getting to that point is rarely a straightforward process. ckily, the Controller works perfectly here, acting as a magic w within the game. You’ll point to swap to different locations in the world for new vantage points, as well as move sliding panels with ease. The ability to freely look around interact with the world makes this one memorable. Rangi ($5) The Controller’s pointer is perfect for placing the fantasy character cards onto the battle grid directing the 3D creatures’ movements attacks, letting you get “hs-on” without ever really touching the grotesque beasts. It’s playable either in single-player against the A.I. or online against real competition. HoloGrid: Monster Battle VR ($3)
